by Jenn Zamorsky

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 26, 2008

Hawaii is a chain of beautiful islands, offering an exotic experience, history and culture to those who inhabit the island and those who visit. Along with the main islands of The Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau, there are hundreds of smaller islands that are spread over 1500 miles. Every island of Hawaii were formed in this hot spot because of volcanic eruptions from the sea floor and because of these wonderful eruptions, the gorgeous state of Hawaii was born.

People have been residing in Hawaii from as early as the 4th Century. These are believed to be Polynesian settlers hailed from Marquesas in 300-500 A.D. There have been differing opinions as to if there was a second wave of people from Tahiti that brought in a new line of chiefs, the Kapu system, the religious aspect of human sacrifice, and the building of Hieau's. Although there is no direct evidence linking the Tahitians to inhabiting with the Polynesian's, the folk tales of Pa'ao have convinced people to believe it is true. The local Polynesian Chief's ruled their own settlements, but the individual settlements often fought for power to expand their territories; battles were also fought in defense against other settlements.

The first European contact with Hawaii was made in 1778 when Captain James Cook stepped foot on the islands. Originally, Cook named it Sandwich Islands, after his sponsor John Montagu who was the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Through the first and second journey to Hawaii, Cook documented and wrote books about his voyages. The second trip in 1779 would allow Cook to meet his maker. He attempted to abduct a local Hawaiian chief in hopes of having one of his ship's boats returned. What he didn't anticipate was supporters of the chief fighting back with a vengeance. During this battle, Cook was killed.

Although Captain Cook no longer walked the Earth, his books made quite the impact on Europe. European explorers, traders and whalers soon came to visit Hawaii and population was rising. Although the guests to Hawaii were somewhat expected after Cook's voyages, the diseases they brought with them was not. These were diseases that no native Hawaiians had ever encountered, being an isolated society, and the Hawaiian population took a nose dive.

As the remaining population fought to regain their health, the chief's were still fighting for power. One single ruler emerged: King Kamahameha the Great. The King established the House of Kamehameha, which would rule until 1872. The

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